Lawmakers propose maximum indoor temperature during hot days to combat growing issue of heat-related deaths across the U.S.
Following another record-hot summer in the United States, lawmakers are considering implementing tenant protection laws to safeguard residents from extreme and often deadly heat.
Tenant Union Federation, a national “union of unions,” was launched in August. The organization plays a pivotal role in advocating for change, starting with tenant protection laws that require a maximum indoor temperature during hot days.
“Things are changing because they have to; something’s got to give,” said Tenant Union Federation founding Director Tara Raghuveer. “The emergency in our homes is at a level that is actually untenable.”
Similarly, in Los Angeles, county officials approved a January motion to create a law establishing a “safe maximum temperature threshold,” requiring residential rental units to be “cooling ready,” which would allow residents to install their own units.
While some landlord groups oppose the proposed maximum temperatures, citing that the cost of installing the cooling systems may cause them to raise rent or even drive out landlords who can’t afford to implement the changes, others say they aren’t against it.
Instead, their concerns are around the proposed deadlines for them to do so.
“What is more up for debate is: Realistically, what is possible and reasonable for property owners to do in that timeframe?” said Alexandra Alvarado, director of marketing and education at the American Apartment Owners Association. “The other aspect is whether or not the landlord can bill the tenant for utilities.”
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Source: Black Enterprise
